For comics shipping 02.17.10 or The Week We Saw All Of The Toys. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DC COMICS

Green Lantern #51 – $2.99

Well, if the last page of the last issue didn’t already have you jacked, this cover certainly will. Hal dips into the power of Parallax to take down the Spectre, but will he be able to overcome the embodiment of fear yet again? With the help of the rest of the Rainbow Warriors, I’m betting yes. Besides, Geoff Johns didn’t bring Hal back from the dead just to make him evil again… did he?

Green Lantern Corps #45 – $2.99

It’s a shame Patrick Gleason is leaving this title. I mean, just look at that cover. You can’t seriously tell me that you wouldn’t want to open that comic to see what was happening inside. Anyway, it’s a rare week to get two Green Lantern titles, and since both will be advancing the awesome “Blackest Night” storyline, you better not miss out on either one.

Power Girl #9 – $2.99

It’s a damn shame that Vartox is gone, but at least we’re going to see PG finally take on Satanna. Nothing like seeing Amanda Connor draw two ladies fighting. As an addendum, this would be a great issue to jump on board. Jimmy, Justin, and Amanda have been doing a great job on this book, and by not reading it, you’re missing out on one of the most entertaining comics on the shelf. Plus, you’ve got all that great Amanda Connor art to keep you flipping pages. How could you go wrong?

MARVEL COMICS

Captain America #603 – $2.99

Hey, it’s that comic Fox News made a big deal about a few weeks ago. If there was ever a situation in comics blown way out of proportion by mass media, the “Teabag Incident” was surely it. Hopefully all that news translates into some sales for the comic, and the people that pick it up will find that it’s an incredibly well written adventure story that roots itself in current society while staying completely objective. Well, for the most part.

Spider-Woman #6 – $2.99

I was just thinking that it feels like forever since I read an issue of this book, and like some kind of ironic mystery, a new Spider-Woman drops today. Alex Maleev and Brian Bendis have been doing a great job with this book, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually give a shit about Spider-Woman. I have an inkling that it will do the same for you.

The Stand: Soul Survivors #4 – $3.99

From what I gather, this issue’s going to give a bit of insight into the character of Abigail Freemantle, who I’ve been dying to find out more about since she was introduced into the fold. I’m trying my hardest not to read too far ahead in the actual novel, and I can’t wait to to see how Mr. Perkins and Mr. Sacassa bring King’s pages to life. Easily one of the best licensing moves Marvel’s ever made. Totally worth your time.

Trade Paperback/Hardcover of the Week

Ignition City, Vol. 1 – $19.99

Ignition City is Warren Ellis’ take on what happens to all the classic sci-fi pulp heroes of yesterday when they get old. Of course, it’s about so much more, but spoiling it here would just take away from your enjoyment when reading it. I’ve always enjoyed the way Avatar pretty much lets writers like Ellis, Garth Ennis, and Alan Moore do whatever they want, and this tale is easily one of the best Ellis has done for the company. His deconstruction of space travel, jet pack heroes, and pulp fiction is a blast to read, and you’d do well to check this out.